Florida Tight Ends Hayden Hansen and Amir Jackson Set to Enter Transfer Portal
Florida’s tight end room is undergoing a major shakeup. Redshirt junior Hayden Hansen, the Gators’ starting tight end for the past two seasons, announced Thursday that he plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal. He becomes the second tight end from the program to do so, joining redshirt freshman Amir Jackson.
Let’s start with Hansen, who’s been a steady presence in Gainesville. The Weatherford, Texas native has been a fixture in the Gators’ offense, starting 25 consecutive games and emerging as the go-to option at tight end since 2023.
This past season, he started all 12 games and finished with 30 receptions for 254 yards - third most on the team in both categories. That kind of production from the tight end spot is no small feat, especially in a conference as physical as the SEC.
At nearly 6-foot-8 and 246 pounds, Hansen brought a rare blend of size and athleticism to the position. He made his mark early, appearing in all 12 games with nine starts as a redshirt freshman in 2023, tallying 12 catches for 150 yards and two touchdowns.
Fast forward to 2025, and he had clearly taken another step forward, becoming a reliable target for both Graham Mertz and DJ Lagway. His 15 catches for 207 yards and a touchdown this season showed not just growth, but consistency in an offense that leaned on him in key moments.
Behind the scenes, Hansen’s work ethic didn’t go unnoticed. Florida’s strength and conditioning coordinator Tyler Miles praised his commitment back in March, noting Hansen’s dedication to both the weight room and nutrition. According to Miles, Hansen had reached top-end speed benchmarks while also hitting his highest playing weight - a testament to how seriously he took his development.
Now, he’ll look to take that progress to a new program, and there’s no doubt he’ll draw interest. Proven SEC experience at tight end is a hot commodity, and Hansen has both the tape and the tools to make an impact elsewhere.
Joining him in the portal is Amir Jackson, a promising young tight end from Statesboro, Georgia. Jackson saw the field in all 12 games this season, mostly contributing on special teams, but he also flashed potential on offense.
He caught three passes for 29 yards and a touchdown - that score coming on Florida’s opening drive against No. 5 Texas A&M, a moment that showed just how dynamic he could be in the right situation.
Jackson’s 18-yard reception in the win over Mississippi State was his longest of the season, and it served as another glimpse into his potential. At 6-foot-4.5 and 235 pounds, he’s got the frame and athleticism that made him a coveted recruit in the 2024 class. Ranked as the No. 8 tight end nationally and a top-20 player in Georgia, Jackson chose Florida over offers from Tennessee, Miami, Auburn, and others.
He committed in June 2023 after an official visit and signed with the Gators that December before enrolling in May 2024. While his time on the field was limited in year one, the talent is clearly there - and he’ll now look for a new opportunity to showcase it.
With Hansen and Jackson both on their way out, Florida’s tight end depth chart will look very different heading into 2026. For Billy Napier and his staff, that means going back to the drawing board - whether that’s through the portal, development, or recruiting. Either way, it’s a pivotal moment for the Gators at a position that’s been a steady part of their offense the last two seasons.